Playmakers in waiting

Back in the preseason, Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen said the Gators' spread offense is at its best when the ball is being evenly distributed to its many playmakers.

By Robbie AndreuSun sports writer

Back in the preseason, Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen said the Gators' spread offense is at its best when the ball is being evenly distributed to its many playmakers. But through four games this season, there hasn't been much spreading in the spread. It's pretty much been a two-man show - quarterback Tim Tebow and wide receiver Percy Harvin. Where are all the other playmakers? They're out there, they're just not seeing the ball very often, with touches coming few and far between. Veteran Sun football writer Robbie Andreu takes a look at what's going on with the offensive playmakers other than Tebow and Harvin:

Louis MurphyWide receiverPreseason expectations: After catching 37 passes as a junior in 2007, Murphy figured to be a go-to guy and UF's best deep threat with the departure of Andre Caldwell. Many were predicting a breakout season.What he's done: Early in games, for some reason, he hasn't been a factor. As a result, he's caught only 12 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns.What's next: Unless Mullen decides to get the wide receivers more involved, Murphy is only going to see the ball a few times a game.

Riley CooperWide receiverPreseason expectations: A big target with excellent speed, he was expected to emerge as a deep threat and an important part of the passing game.What he's done: He's caught just six passes for 62 yards and has been no factor in the deep passing game (not that the Gators have shown much of one).What's next: Cooper caught an 18-yard pass in UF's final drive Saturday. That may be a good sign that he'll become more involved from here on out.

Aaron HernandezTight endPreseason expectations: He was supposed to team with senior Cornelius Ingram to give the Gators a potent one-two punch at tight end.What's he's done: With Ingram out for the season, Hernandez has been the starter and a go-to guy, catching 11 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns.What's next: A key component in the passing game, he'll have an opportunity to make more plays because Tebow has been looking his way.

Deonte ThompsonWide receiverPreseason expectations: Fast and explosive, he had a good fall camp and many were predicting he could fill Caldwell's role.What he's done: Other than blocking, he has not been a factor. He has just three receptions for 35 yards.What's next: He dropped a pass Saturday, so it may be a while before his number is called again.

Carl MooreWide receiverPreseason expectations: After a disappointing spring, the junior college All-America came on strong in two-a-days, and it appeared he would be a major contributor.What he's done: He's disappeared since his big catch late in the third quarter against Miami. He's caught only two passes for 41 yards.What's next: He also dropped a pass against Ole Miss, and with UF going to the wide receivers so little, his opportunities might be limited unless something changes.

Chris RaineyTailbackPreseason expectations: He was the star of the spring game, and many envisioned him playing a role similar to Harvin's this season.What he's done: Since his 33-yard touchdown run in the opener, his role has diminished. In in the last three games, he's carried only 15 times for 67 yards and has zero pass receptions.What's next: With Emmanuel Moody nursing a high ankle sprain, Rainey may have a chance to become more involved in the coming weeks.

Emmanuel MoodyTailbackPreseason expectations: The Southern Cal transfer came on strong late in preseason camp and many thought he had the chance to be UF's dominant back, and a breakaway threat.What he's done: Moody showed some signing of breaking through in the Tennessee game and then again in the first half Saturday. Then he was sidelined by a sprained ankle. He's carried the ball only 14 times for 73 yards and has yet to catch a pass.What's next: He could be on the shelf for several weeks with that high ankle sprain.

Brandon JamesTailback/wide receiverPreseason expectations: James practiced mostly at wide receiver in two-a-days and the feeling was he could be more involved in a dual role as a runner and receiver.What he's done: He's had only nine touches this season (four rushes, five receptions).What's next: His focus likely will remain on returning kicks.

Jeff DempsTailbackPreseason expectations: This high school blazer impressed the coaches in two-a-days and earned the right to play as a true freshman.What he's done: He was the offensive star in the opener, breaking loose for a 62-yard touchdown run and leading the Gators in rushing with 76 yards. Since then, he's gained only one yard on four carries.What's next: It appears likely he'll be getting only a touch or two a game the rest of the way.

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